Windows 8.1 limited WiFi connection fix

A couple of days ago I decided to import the latest iteration of Microsoft’s desktop operating system, Windows 8.1. More specifically, Windows 8.1 Pro. My initial impressions were pretty positive, since my computer’s specifications run through the software with ease. My custom build rocks a 1TB Western Digital hard drive and boots Windows in less than ten seconds. Imagine if I had SSD on board.

I also loved the new interface. It seems more multifunctional, and I liked the fact that Windows now include an app store. It is quite fascinating to have Twitter opened and concurrently writing this piece. It gives you a Mac-ish feeling and I will let you know about my initial impressions next month.

A problem that seemed insurmountable and I have been striving to address since day one was the WiFi connection. I use a WiFi USB adaptor since my router is in the first store of the house. I plugged it in the front USB 2.0 port and when clicked connect it did, though it simultaneously displayed that yellow triangle which indicates that you cannot access the Internet world.

I was furious. Computer without Internet, is like an army without weapons. I work online hence Internet is indispensable to me.

Of course you have probably already figured out that I conducted a three hour research to overcome this problem. The most common solution I found in forum’s – and in Microsoft’s official as well – was to reset TCPIP through command prompt. And of course that did not work.

I was overwhelmed. I did not know what to do and started brainstorming possible solutions that sounded highly improbable.

The first one that dawned on me was to plug it in another USB import. The back panel of my computer includes two USB 3.0 ports, hence I plugged it in there with the hope of something to actually happen.

Image courtesy of QuitePC.com.

And indeed, it worked. I disconnected and reconnected three times to ensure that this is a proper solution and not me being lucky.

Feel free to give this a try and let us know if it worked for you in the comment section below. If you have any questions do not hesitate to hit me up on Twitter, @orestespap, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.